How to Choose a Good Quality Pet Food

With endless marketing claims, trendy ingredients, and flashy packaging, choosing the best pet food for your dog or cat can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—TLC Animal Hospital is here to help. Backed by insights from board-certified veterinary nutritionists, this guide breaks down how to evaluate your options and select a pet food that’s truly good for your furry friend’s health.

1. Look for the AAFCO Statement

Make sure the food includes a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) indicating it is “complete and balanced” for your pet’s life stage. This is the baseline standard ensuring the diet meets minimum nutritional requirements.

2. Match the Diet to Your Pet’s Life Stage and Health

Choose food appropriate for your pet’s age, species, breed, and health status. For example, kittens and puppies need more nutrients than senior pets. Avoid feeding cat food to dogs and vice versa. Special health conditions (like kidney disease or food allergies) may require prescription diets formulated for specific medical needs.  Be aware that “all life stage” foods are generally formulated for puppies/kittens and are not the best for adult or senior pets.

3. Choose Foods 'Manufactured By'—Not Just 'For'

Prefer pet foods that are “manufactured by” a reputable company, which usually indicates direct control over production and quality. Avoid foods only “manufactured for” a brand, as this could mean outsourcing to unknown producers.

4. Research the Manufacturer

High-quality pet food companies will:
- Employ veterinary or PhD animal nutritionists
- Conduct research and nutritional trials
- Implement rigorous safety testing pre-, during, and post-production
- Be transparent with ingredients and nutrient profiles on request

If they won’t share this info or lack a customer service line, consider it a red flag.

5. Don’t Be Fooled by Ingredient Lists

Focus on the big picture. The first five ingredients should be recognizable foods, but don’t dismiss “byproducts”—they’re nutrient-rich and perfectly healthy for most pets. Cats in particular need animal protein listed early in the ingredient list.

6. Request Dry Matter Nutrient Analysis

Nutrient percentages on labels are given “as fed” and may misrepresent protein, fat, and carb content. Instead, ask for the dry matter analysis. Ideally, dogs should receive 20–30% protein on a dry matter basis; cats need 35–45% or more.

7. Ignore Misleading Marketing Terms

Words like “human-grade,” “gourmet,” “natural,” and “premium” have little to no regulation. Also beware of “grain-free” diets—they’re often promoted without scientific backing and are linked to heart disease in dogs. Unless your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy, grains are safe and nutritious.

Thinking About Homemade or Raw Diets?

Homemade diets must be formulated with expert guidance to avoid nutrient deficiencies. Websites like balanceit.com, petdiets.com, or acvn.org can help with recipes created by veterinary nutritionists.

As for raw food, major veterinary groups advise against feeding raw meat or eggs due to the risk of bacterial contamination for both pets and people.

Need Help Choosing the Right Food?

Our veterinary team at TLC Animal Hospital can help you interpret labels, evaluate food brands, and find the best match for your pet’s needs. Call us at (915) 592-6200 to schedule a nutrition consult today!

Disclaimer:
This article was created using trusted resources and AI technology.  Its content has been reviewed and vetted (ha!) by the veterinarian and medical director of TLC Animal Hospital.  The content in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Always consult with your veterinarian for individualized medical advice and care specific to your pet’s needs.